In the Bible, widows hold a special place in the heart of God. Scripture speaks of them not only as women who have lost their husbands but also as individuals needing compassion, support, and protection. Widows often represent vulnerability and dependency, and God consistently commands His people to care for them. From the laws given in the Old Testament to the teachings of Jesus and the early Church, God’s love and concern for widows is clearly expressed. This care for widows reveals His character as a compassionate and just God who seeks to protect those who are marginalized and defend the vulnerable.
In this article, we explore 50 Bible verses about widows, divided into different themes such as God’s compassion, commands to help widows, and stories of notable widows in Scripture. This collection of verses reveals God’s justice, His heart for the vulnerable, and His instructions to believers to extend His love to those in need. As we delve into these passages, we gain insights into how God’s people are called to embody His compassion.
Bible Verses About Widows
1. Exodus 22:22-24
“You shall not afflict any widow or orphan. If you afflict them in any way and they cry out to Me, I will surely hear their cry; and My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall become widows and your children orphans.”
These verses convey a serious warning against harming widows. God clearly states His intent to protect them and punish those who mistreat them.
2. Deuteronomy 10:18
“He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing.”
This verse highlights God’s role as a protector and provider for widows, showcasing His love and justice.
3. Psalm 68:5
“A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation.”
God is portrayed as a defender, affirming His commitment to those who have lost their primary source of support.
4. Psalm 146:9
“The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; but the way of the wicked He turns upside down.”
Here, we see God’s active oversight and care for widows, promising relief and justice.
5. Proverbs 15:25
“The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow.”
This verse highlights the contrast between pride and vulnerability, emphasizing God’s protection of the widow.
6. Proverbs 23:10-11
“Do not remove the ancient landmark, nor enter the fields of the fatherless; for their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you.”
This admonition stresses the moral obligation to protect the rights of widows and orphans from exploitation.
7. Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.”
Isaiah calls the people of Israel to actively engage in justice, including defending widows as part of righteous living.
8. Isaiah 54:4
“Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.”
This promise of restoration offers hope and reassurance to widows, reminding them of their value in God’s eyes.
9. Jeremiah 22:3
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Execute judgment and righteousness, and deliver the plundered out of the hand of the oppressor. And do no wrong and do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.’”
Jeremiah emphasizes the importance of justice, underscoring the need to protect widows from harm.
10. Lamentations 3:34-36
“The Lord does not see the judgment of the wicked nor does He take away the right of a man in his cause.”
This passage reminds us of God’s justice, assuring that He will not allow the oppressed, including widows, to be neglected.
11. Luke 2:36-38
“Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”
Anna’s faithfulness demonstrates that widows can lead lives of devotion and spiritual significance.
12. Luke 4:25-26
“But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months; and there was a great famine throughout all the land; but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.”
Jesus points to the widow of Zarephath, illustrating God’s provision during times of desperation.
13. Luke 7:12-15
“When He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried it stood still. And He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise!’”
Jesus’ compassion for the widow illustrates His power to bring life and hope in the midst of grief.
14. Acts 6:1
“Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.”
The early Church recognized the needs of widows, emphasizing the importance of community support.
15. 1 Timothy 5:3-5
“Honor widows who are really widows. But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.”
Paul emphasizes the honor due to widows, highlighting their spiritual dedication.
16. 1 Timothy 5:9-10
“Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, well reported for good works; if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.”
This passage outlines the qualities of a godly widow, recognizing her contributions to the faith community.
17. James 1:27
“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
James stresses that caring for widows is a fundamental aspect of true faith, reflecting God’s heart for the vulnerable.
18. Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth said: ‘Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.’”
Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi, her widowed mother-in-law, exemplifies the power of love and commitment.
19. Ruth 2:2
“So Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, ‘Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor.’ And she said to her, ‘Go, my daughter.’”
Ruth’s determination to provide for Naomi illustrates the practical steps widows can take to care for themselves and each other.
20. Ruth 3:10
“Then he said, ‘Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich.’”
Boaz praises Ruth for her loyalty, affirming the importance of familial love and support.
21. 1 Kings 17:9
“Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.”
God’s choice of a widow to provide for Elijah highlights His ability to use the marginalized for His purposes.
22. 1 Kings 17:15
“So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days.”
The widow’s faith in God’s provision through Elijah resulted in miraculous sustenance, reinforcing the blessings of obedience.
23. 2 Kings 4:1
“A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, ‘Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves.’”
This widow’s desperate plea reveals the harsh realities faced by widows, emphasizing their need for help and intervention.
24. 2 Kings 4:2
“So Elisha said to her, ‘What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?’ And she said, ‘Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.’”
Elisha’s response highlights the importance of recognizing even the smallest resources as a means of God’s provision.
25. 2 Kings 4:6
“Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, ‘Bring me another vessel.’ And he said to her, ‘There is not another vessel.’ So the oil ceased.”
This miraculous provision illustrates God’s abundant care for those in need, affirming His faithfulness.
26. Matthew 15:22
“And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.’”
While not explicitly a widow, this woman’s plight resonates with the vulnerability that many widows experience, illustrating a call for compassion.
27. Mark 12:41-44
“Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.’”
This account highlights the widow’s sacrificial giving, illustrating that true generosity often comes from those who have little.
28. Luke 18:1-8
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: ‘There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, “Get justice for me from my adversary.”’”
This parable emphasizes persistence in prayer, showcasing the widow’s determination to seek justice.
29. Luke 18:5
“Yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.”
The judge’s response illustrates that even in a world where justice is hard to come by, persistence can lead to victory.
30. 1 Timothy 5:16
“If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.”
Paul emphasizes the responsibility of families to care for their own, thereby alleviating the burden on the church.
31. Genesis 38:11
“Then Judah said to Tamar, ‘Remain a widow in your father’s house till my son Shelah is grown.’ For he said, ‘Lest he also die like his brothers.’ And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house.”
This verse reflects the social implications of widowhood, where Tamar was instructed to wait in her father’s house for future security.
32. Job 29:13
“The blessing of a perishing man came upon me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.”
Job’s acknowledgment of his role in uplifting widows highlights the joy that comes from compassionate action.
33. Psalm 146:7
“Who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.”
This verse illustrates God’s overarching commitment to justice, including for the oppressed and marginalized, such as widows.
34. Proverbs 31:9
“Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
A call to righteousness and advocacy for the vulnerable, including widows, reminding us of our duty to speak up for those in need.
35. Ezekiel 22:7
“In you they have made light of father and mother; in the midst of you they have oppressed the stranger; in you they have mistreated the fatherless and widow.”
Ezekiel critiques societal injustices, emphasizing the need to protect the most vulnerable among us.
36. Zechariah 7:10
“Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.”
This exhortation highlights the ethical imperative to protect and support widows as part of living righteously.
37. Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
While not exclusively about widows, this verse speaks to God’s comforting nature, providing hope to those grieving loss.
38. Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
This beatitude offers assurance to those grieving, including widows, that God provides comfort in times of sorrow.
39. John 14:18
“I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”
Jesus’ promise assures all who are vulnerable, including widows, of His ongoing presence and support.
40. Acts 9:36-39
“At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.”
The story of Tabitha illustrates the impact of a widow’s good works, underscoring the importance of community in mourning and remembrance.
41. Philippians 4:19
“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
This promise reassures all believers, including widows, of God’s provision in times of need.
42. Romans 12:13
“Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.”
Paul encourages the early Church to actively care for the needs of others, including widows.
43. 1 Peter 5:7
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
This assurance extends to widows, reminding them of God’s attentive care and love.
44. Ephesians 2:19
“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”
This verse highlights the inclusion of all believers in the family of God, which extends to widows as valued members.
45. Hebrews 13:1-3
“Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.”
The call to remember and care for the marginalized, including widows, emphasizes the communal responsibility of believers.
46. Colossians 3:12-14
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”
These verses encourage believers to embody Christ-like love, particularly toward those who are suffering, including widows.
47. Psalm 25:16-17
“Turn yourself to me, and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have enlarged; bring me out of my distresses!”
This plea resonates with the anguish often felt by widows, reminding us of God’s mercy in times of deep sorrow.
48. Proverbs 31:20
“She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.”
This depiction of a virtuous woman includes her care for the needy, reflecting a heart that advocates for those in distress, including widows.
49. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jesus invites all who are burdened, including widows, to find solace in Him.
50. Revelation 21:4
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
This ultimate promise of restoration offers hope to all who suffer, including widows, affirming that God will one day make all things new.
Conclusion
The Bible presents a rich tapestry of verses that speak to the heart of God regarding widows. Through these scriptures, we see a God who defends, provides for, and uplifts those who are vulnerable and in need. The repeated calls for justice and compassion toward widows not only affirm their dignity but also challenge us as believers to actively engage in their care.
As we reflect on these 50 verses, we are reminded of the importance of community, the power of compassion, and the call to action that accompanies our faith. In our own lives, we can embody the principles set forth in Scripture by offering support, love, and advocacy for widows and all who are in need. In doing so, we not only reflect God’s heart but also fulfill our calling as His followers.
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